Qi Node: Great Snow

This qi node is the coming of winter, the overtaking of yin and yang goes into hiding.

12.7.16 - 12.20.16

During this time of year our conduct is of supreme importance. We slow down, our body is at its slowest and our blood is at its thickest. It is the nourishing, slow time of year where you have the opportunity to know yourself and your truth at a deep level. The one requirement is slowing down to be able to do this.

The quality of your sleep is a good indicator for where you're at - sleep should come easily and the second level of sleep that begins between 1 - 2 am has the ability to bring dreams that provide clarity and may even be prophetic.

Although we are prone to shop until we run out of many and celebrate until we can't see straight, it is also important to be selective about this. Notice what experiences bring you true joy and what makes you go to sleep feeling content. Carve out times for quiet and restoration for you and the ones you are close to. Celebration doesn't need to be excess.

If you are practicing self cultivation, this is the perfect time of year to really "own" for yourself. Take the time to truly notice what your appetite is, not what you crave ... but what your appetite truly is. You will see experiences become more meaningful, simple foods taste better and become more nourishing. Go into experiences open, but come out clear in your observations and reactions. Be honest about who you are. That does not require aggression or judgment - it is only you knowing yourself. Not constantly concerned with what others will think or need. (This is the trick to not gaining weight in this time of the year, but it is a deep and profound practice. The desire to lose weight will not bring this. Only insight and practice.)

In nourishing your yin this time of year, you will have more energy next year. You are preserving your yang for it to manifest when the time is right; come the rising of yang in the spring and through the summer.

By being quiet we allow our ancestors to be with us and they share our family gatherings to be nourished as well. We have support from all realms, whether we realize it or not. This makes us a more whole person, to be friendly with the winter. And we gain great inspiration from the dreams that come this time of year. Welcome it - dream time is precious.

Deeply nourishing food is appropriate this time of year. Venison and mushrooms in a stew is amazing. Bone broth once a week ... pickles are great. A little alcohol for warmth is good and can be nourishing if taken with these kinds of food. But too much fire in the form of alcohol or spices can exhaust the yin and deplete the small amount of yang you have access to. While a small amount can open and warm the channels distributing nourishment. But there is a fine line that demands close personal observation to take advantage of this. You are invited to understand your appetite through this - it can be very fulfilling and is a kind of communion you enjoy with the life we live in to nourish us.